Sept. 1. Still here at Centerville.
Communication between here
and Washington probably cut
off. Last evening trains were
turned back from Fairfax C.H.
by the enemy’s guns, probably
placed in the road to Vienna
so as to command Little River
Turnpike running through the
town. A council of war was
held and Pope determined to fight
the enemy, if we move against
the foe posted in our seat we
shall have to fight them on
ground such as they may
choose to select for us. Whereas
had we moved toward the
Capitol thirty six hours ago
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we might have selected our
own position. Many think our cause
is lost. But I am still
hopeful. Two of the large
party of civilians from
Washington to attend to the
sick are stopping with us.
One of them I recognized
as Mr. French former editor
of Biddeford Journal. They
have just gone out with
flag of truce to the battle
field to see to wounded and
dead. Mr. Cornwell of the Register’s
office at Treasury Department is
here with us and is making himself
generally useful in obtaining stuffs
from the Sanitary commission. The day is most beautiful.
Not a gun fired yet. I think
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it is possible the enemy may be
pushing their way toward Edward’s
ferry + Williamsport with the
intention of crossing into Maryland.
-1¾ ok p.m. ordered to get under arms
Cha P,, Shannon Biddeford Maine
Mr. J. H. Coffin Portland Maine
8 ok p.m. ordered to move following
Gen. Smith’s division which is now
in the road. Order of March
1. Col. Jackson
2. Artillery 1. Co. D. 2. Maryland 3. Porter
